Addington Preview

It is the second premier meeting of the autumn following up an unbelievable night of racing last week. The stable are well represented with Billy Badger and Gotta Go Ya Hu in the Group One New Zealand Derby and The Brooklyn Brawler in the Group Two Welcome Stakes for the two year olds.

Billy Badger enjoyed a good run in last week's Vero Flying Stakes, but his task this week looks a lot tougher as he comes up with a tricky second line draw. He follows out Pacing Major a horse that does possess gate speed though and with some luck on his side he could still pozzie up nicely early. Connections would be particularly happy if he was able to get a slice of the big prize on offer. Gotta Go Ya Hu also went a nice race last week. From his wide draw though place hopes would be best.

The derby is an intriguing race with questions over the gate speed of Ultimate Machete and whether the likes of a Tiger Thompson or Raukapuka Ruler may be able to cross early and throw out all pre-race predictions. However, from their very cushy draws, both Ultimate Machete and Vincent should get their best opportunities to do the damage and do look the two to beat.

The Brooklyn Brawler (in photo) has looked one of the better two year olds this season, but meets a talented field in the Group Two Welcome Stakes. His wide draw will definitely make things a lot tougher, but he is well regarded by the stable and if they go hard, his chances should not be dismissed. The market is likely to be dominated by runners from the Purdon/Rasmussen stable with impressive last start winner The Devils Own and the well performed Spankem both well drawn and confidently backed in early markets.

Other runners from a stable point of view tonight are:

Race One - Sacred Angel. No luck the last two and wide draw here not the best either. She is a nice filly though and must have a place hope here anyway.

Race Two - Foreverman. Possibly the best of the night from the stable. That was a really good win last time, franking unlucky runs previous. A big hope to go back-back.

Race Three - Kotare Mist. Capable filly and if she steps can get a piece of this. Place hopes at nice odds.

Race Nine - The Honey Badger and Crackamoa. Both horses are well drawn in what looks like an even affair. On their best performances they are both each-way hopes.